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Former Montreal Canadien Comes Out of Retirement After Only Two Weeks, Joins New NHL Team

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 11:57 AM ET

Stefan Matteau was once a very intriguing prospect in the NHL, and just weeks after retiring from the game, the former Montreal Canadien has a new role behind the bench.

Back in 2012, 6-foot-2 forward prospect Stefan Matteau was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the first-round, and early in his career, the Chicago native showed plenty of promise.

Unfortunately, injuries derailed his career, as he ended up playing in 92 NHL games with New Jersey, Montreal, Vegas, Columbus and Colorado, spending most of his career at the AHL level, having some very solid success throughout that time.

Over the past two years, he spent time with the Cleveland Monsters, even becoming the team captain, but after a lengthy career he called it quits this off-season, looking to focus on his new passions.

According to reports, Matteau is staying with the Monsters , but this time in a coaching role as he replaces Mark Letestu, who will become the Head Coach of the Colorado Eagles, with Matteau spending just two months officially retired before getting this new role.

Clearly, after spending some time with the Blue Jackets at the NHL level and the Monsters in the AHL, Matteau saw a bright future behind the bench, and with Letestu leaving just weeks after his retirement, the fit appeared to be a very natural one for the 31-year old.

Now, he brings over 10 years of professional experience on the ice to the bench in Cleveland, and with plenty of time to find himself as a coach in the lower levels, the future is very bright for a person that one day could become a very solid Head Coach at any level of professional hockey.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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